Manchester City hope to use Micah Richards as bait to land Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

The News of the World says City know Everton are desperate not to part with the England defender, 26, as crocked Phil Jagielka could be out of action until Christmas.

But Eastlands boss Mark Hughes has made Lescott his top defensive priority and is set to sacrifice Richards in his quest to land him.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright does not have to sell his top players even though he is still looking to bring extra investment into the club.

But boss David Moyes will not keep hold of any player who wants to leave and City could almost double Lescott's £45,000-a-week wages.